Women tend to be prone to sleep disorders more than men, depending on their state of health and well-being. It’s important to be able to recognize and identify the different types of sleep disorders that may occur in women, so that they may receive the proper care and treatment.
At the office of Dr. Mayank Shukla, our sleep medicine specialists want you to be aware of the different types of sleep disorders that may be present in women. If you are a woman, or if someone you love is a woman, pay attention to the information below so that you can get the help you need as soon as possible.
Why Women Contract Sleep Disorders
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of sleep disorders in women. These factors include:
- Increased stress
- Major changes in lifestyle
- Trouble sleeping due to pregnancy
- Trouble sleeping due to menstruation
- Hormonal changes
- Insomnia
- Waking up at night
- Changes to environment
- Illness
Stress can be physical, mental, or psychosocial. These different types of stresses can relate to the workplace, social lives, or the reproductive system. Women who go through changes in their environment or daily routine can cause a buildup of stress that may affect otherwise normal sleeping patterns.
Aging can be another contributor towards a sleeping disorder. The signs of aging often lead to bodily changes, which can cause women to sleep less than they usually do, or on a fluctuating schedule.
Different Sleeping Disorders in Women
Some of the common sleep disorders are more likely to affect women than men. These disorders include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, hypersomnia, and periodic limb movement disorder.
These disorders are often characterized by loud snoring, asymmetrical breathing during sleep, and increased sleepiness during the day. If your loved one is noticing that your breathing patterns are sporadic, or if you wake up multiple times throughout the night without being able to sleep, then you may have a sleeping disorder.
If you can’t resist the urge to move your legs during sleep, or if you don’t feel comfortable with your limbs resting, then you may have restless leg syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder. You can find treatment for these annoying disorders by reaching out to your doctor right away.
Other sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea can occur in women over the age of 50. This is because the signs of aging, as well as a change to the environment or the diet, can cause breathing and sleeping issues. Cataplexy is a symptom of narcolepsy that can result in the loss of muscle use and definition due to increased emotional stress. These symptoms can worsen over time, so it’s important to seek the help of a doctor right away.
Sleep Disorder Treatment in New York
Even the simplest symptoms, such as having interrupted breathing during sleep or loud snoring, can be a major sign that you are dealing with a sleeping disorder. Since women are more likely to be prone to sleeping problems than men, it is important to assess the health of your sleep patterns as soon as possible.
The office of Dr. Mayank Shukla specializes in treating patients with breathing and sleeping disorders. If you are dealing with restless limbs, daytime tiredness, increased stress, hormonal changes, or breathing issues due to an illness, it’s important to get your health assessed right away. Don’t wait until it’s too late, as these symptoms can worsen drastically over time.
To seek sleep disorder treatment in New York right away, you can contact us online or give us a call at (917) 924-6383. Our doctor and specialized staff members are ready to address your needs and create an individualized plan that works best for you.
